Eleanor is a French name which is derived from the name Aliénor, which means “bright, shining one.” The name was popular in the Middle Ages, especially in England, and was used by several queens and princesses, including Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Meaning
The name Eleanor means “bright, shining one” and is often associated with intelligence, grace, and beauty.
Name Trend
Eleanor has been a popular name for many years and its popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years. The name reached its peak in popularity in the early 1900s and is now considered a classic and timeless name.
Interesting Facts
- Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was a famous historical figure and human rights activist who was well known for her social and political activism.
- Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and influential queen in the 12th century who was married to both King Louis VII of France and King Henry II of England.
- Eleanor is a popular name in literature, appearing as a character in many novels, including Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" and Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women."
Popular Variations
- Ellie
- Ellen
- Nell
- Nellie
Eleanor rank report (US ranking for newborns 2021)
- Rank 11. Luna
- Rank 12. Camila
- Rank 13. Gianna
- Rank 14. Elizabeth
- Rank 15. Eleanor
- Rank 16. Ella
- Rank 17. Abigail
- Rank 18. Sofia
- Rank 19. Avery
Nicknames for Eleanor
| Ellie | EH-lee | A popular nickname for Eleanor, often used by family and close friends. |
| Nell | NEL | A classic nickname for Eleanor, derived from the first syllable of the name. |
| Nora | NOR-ah | A sweet and simple nickname for Eleanor, often used by younger children. |
| Elle | EL | A chic and trendy nickname for Eleanor, popularized by the fashion industry. |
| Ella | EL-ah | A popular nickname for Eleanor, similar in sound to Ellie but with a slightly different vibe. |
| Leni | LEN-ee | A unique and quirky nickname for Eleanor, often used by those looking for something a bit different. |
Famous people named Eleanor
| Eleanor Roosevelt | Human Rights Activist | She was the First Lady of the United States from 1933-1945 and a prominent advocate for human rights. |
| Eleanor of Aquitaine | Queen of France and England | She was a powerful queen consort in the 12th century and mother to several kings. |
| Eleanor Catton | Author | She is a New Zealand author who won the Man Booker Prize in 2013 for her novel 'The Luminaries'. |
| Eleanor Tomlinson | Actress | She is an English actress best known for her roles in 'Poldark' and 'Jack the Giant Slayer'. |
| Eleanor Marx | Socialist Activist | She was a German-born socialist activist and daughter of Karl Marx. |
| Eleanor Parker | Actress | She was an American actress known for her roles in 'The Sound of Music' and 'Detective Story'. |
| Eleanor Coppola | Filmmaker | She is an American filmmaker and wife of director Francis Ford Coppola. |
| Eleanor H. Porter | Author | She was an American author best known for her children's novel 'Pollyanna'. |
Fictional character called Eleanor from pop culture
| Eleanor Shellstrop | The Good Place | Protagonist of the TV series who ends up in the afterlife and tries to become a better person |
| Eleanor Young | Crazy Rich Asians | Antagonist of the novel and movie who disapproves of her son's relationship with a commoner |
| Eleanor Arroway | Contact | Protagonist of the novel and movie who makes contact with extraterrestrial life |
| Eleanor Lamb | BioShock 2 | Antagonist of the video game who is a genetically modified human with psychic powers |
| Eleanor Henstridge | The Royals | Supporting character of the TV series who is the Queen Mother of England |
| Eleanor Weller | The Good Fight | Supporting character of the TV series who is a famous feminist writer |
| Eleanor "Ellie" Nash | Degrassi: The Next Generation | Protagonist of the TV series who deals with issues such as cyberbullying and drug addiction |
Frequently Asked Questions about Eleanor
| What is the origin of the name Eleanor? | The name Eleanor is of Old French origin and means 'bright, shining one'. |
| Is Eleanor a popular name? | Eleanor has been gaining popularity in recent years, ranking at #32 in the United States in 2020. |
| What are some famous people with the name Eleanor? | Famous people with the name Eleanor include Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of the United States, and Eleanor Tomlinson, an English actress. |
| What are some variations of the name Eleanor? | Variations of the name Eleanor include Elinor, Eleonora, Leonor, and Lenore. |
| What is the meaning behind the name Eleanor Roosevelt's middle name, 'Roosevelt'? | Eleanor Roosevelt's middle name was her maiden name, as she was born Eleanor Roosevelt and married Franklin D. Roosevelt. |